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North Penn committee outlines summer options: virtual enrichment, SPARK, kindergarten readiness and ELD supports
Summary
District staff described multiple summer offerings — a four-week asynchronous virtual enrichment program, an invitation-based SPARK program, a two-week kindergarten readiness camp (Aug. 3'026'0Aug. 13'026) and an ELD summer program funded by Title III — and forwarded the items to the board for approval.
North Penn School District staff presented a slate of summer programs to the ECI committee on April 14 and the committee voted to forward the items to the board action meeting.
Dr. Nina Fermaker outlined the elementary virtual enrichment program, a fully asynchronous Canvas-based sequence of four weeks of activities available for a six-week access window. The program is intended to reinforce grade-level standards and provide hands-on and technology-driven practice for kindergarten through sixth grade; staff noted incentive supports through community partners were used last year to encourage participation.
Fermaker also described SPARK (Summer Program for Academic Readiness for Kids), a targeted invitation-only program for K — graders who need focused skill work. SPARK is four weeks, Monday Thursday, and includes small-group differentiated instruction and transportation support for enrolled participants.
The committee was told the kindergarten readiness camp will run Aug. 3'026 to Aug. 13'026 (two weeks, Monday Thursday) and is regionized at Hatfield, Oak Park and North Wales to serve incoming kindergarteners who need preschool-like routines and pre-K standard preparation. Early in the presentation, Fermaker corrected an earlier slide typo and confirmed the August dates.
Rachel Early presented the elementary English-language-development (ELD) summer program for newcomer and beginner multilingual learners. The ELD program is co-located with SPARK and is funded in part by Title III federal funds, which help pay for staffing and materials.
Committee members asked about outreach, participation rates and coordination with community providers. Staff said transportation is provided for SPARK, which helps enrollment, while transportation for the kindergarten readiness camp has been a barrier for some families. After discussion, the committee moved and approved forwarding the summer-program agenda items to the board action meeting by voice vote.
The board will consider the programs and any associated contract or operating details at its next action meeting.
